Out with the Old, in with the New

The aged Simeon takes the young Jesus into his arms and sings a hymn of praise: “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation...” (v. 29) The imagery is rather like that of the stock New Year’s cartoons: a wizened old man, symbolizing the old year, rejoices in the presence of a chubby youngster in a diaper. Luke knows Jesus’ coming changes everything. He tells us this tale of Simeon’s blessing (along with its parallel, Anna’s blessing) so we don’t miss the point.